A2: Bolstering Real-Time Learning and Course Correction
Session description
Grantmakers have committed to becoming “learning organizations,” but many are facing a mismatch between words and actions. Simple but powerful tools, including Before- and After-Action Reviews, can provide real-time and grounded information for program staff and other key stakeholders. Learn how to use Before- and After-Action Reviews to power organizational learning. Hear from grantmakers who are using learning tools like these, and explore how and when to weave them into the grantmaking cycle. If there is sufficient interest, this session may also serve as a launching point for a grantmaker Community of Practice on real-time learning and course correction.
Participant learning goals
• Learn a framework for thinking about weaving learning into the work of grantmaking in a concrete way
• Learn about a tool – the Before- and After-Action Review – that can be used to do real-time learning and course-correction
• Hear the experience and good practices of two foundations, and have an opportunity to reflect on your own learning challenges and practices in conversations with your peers
Intended learning level
Adoption — strategies and tools for applying concepts and changing practices in your work
Speakers
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/10/profile_cb4ca0986d3c0450427feeaf28e2838b.png "Marilyn Darling, Signet Research & Consulting")
Marilyn Darling, Signet Research & Consulting
Web site
Speaker Biography
Marilyn Darling is a founding partner of Signet Research & Consulting and a founding member of the Society for Organizational Learning. She works with foundations and nonprofits, identifying learning priorities and developing learning agendas, and supports peer learning and Communities of Practice using the tools of Emergent Learning. Darling and her partners have conducted in-depth research into the best practice use of Before- and After-Action Reviews. In 2010, Darling completed a research report: “A Compass in the Woods: Learning through Grantmaking to Improve Impact.
![[photo]](https://8ca84662c5b8f0cff50d-4baaaf97d63fd7b01243e1b1c57f0cc1.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/12/profile_b1968f637f111c0f23de5d3f2826d18e.png "Dan Wilson, Ontario Trillium Foundation")
Dan Wilson, Ontario Trillium Foundation
Web site
Speaker Biography
Dan Wilson is the manager of policy, research and evaluation with the Ontario Trillium Foundation. His team also leads OTF’s knowledge management and learning strategy. Wilson’s background includes community development, capacity building and health promotion. He has also spent some time as a program manager with the foundation. After living in Kitchener, Ottawa, and London, Ontario, he now calls Toronto home. An avid music lover, Wilson sings in a choir that performs world folk music in its original language. He has recently learned to play the bagpipes, much to the chagrin of his neighbors, and is also learning the guitar.